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Aziz Bekkaoui, fashion designer

Aziz Bekkaoui is a renowned fashion designer, artist and guest curator. His creations are known worldwide and originate in his studio in the heart of Amsterdam. In honor of the Olympic Games, Aziz is exhibiting one of his works during MASTERS VERNISSAGE in the color green as a symbol of the green Olympic ring. The fashion designer has won his spurs in the creative industry and talks to MASTERS about his wheelbarrow.Text: Mical Joseph
Image: Aziz Bekkaoui

What was your very first job?

"I lived in Voorburg and had a summer job as an ice cream maker in an Italian restaurant in Scheveningen. In addition, I was in high school and wanted to be an inventor. I was always sawing, making furniture and coming up with new concepts. Actually, I did become a kind of inventor, but in a different field. I experiment, always want to innovate and color outside the lines."

How did you end up in your current job?

"After high school I left for Arnhem and started my graphic and architectural studies at ArtEZ. I found at the time that fashion magazines were superficial, lacking the depth for me. It was often about the red carpet and champagne, but never about the personal. I got more in touch with fashion education and switched to fashion in my own way. For me, even then, it was about how financially important this industry is and how important it is to have your own identity as a designer: a mix of glamour, minimalism and urban."

In that, who was your wheelbarrow?

"I was doing an internship in Milan and decided to enter the fashion competition of the Festival des Jeunes Stylists at Hyères in Cannes. The jury included Gaultier, John Galliano and Jill Sander. This contest I won and caught the eye of designer Paco Rabanne. The competition and Paco Rabanne opened doors for me: I was asked by the designer to show my collection in the supporting act during Rabanne's couture show in Paris. This was great, of course, because top models Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangalista and Kate Moss walked this show.

Paco Rabanne encouraged me to believe in what I saw and felt and to see it through. He helped me in his studio, atelier and business. Because of his support, I started my own label. A real wheelbarrow. Over the last twenty years, another wheelbarrow has been added: Performance Artist Marina Abramovic. She has worked with rapper Jay Z and Lady GaGa, among others. For my continued development from fashion to art, Marina has been important. She makes performances with people, without clothing and/or objects. "Aziz Bekkaoui - United Origins Fashion Show - photographer: Peter Stigter

What is your greatest passion in your profession?

"Working for people and with people. Every day is different and I divide my creativity into different disciplines. I deal with interior design, clothing, architecture and performance. It is important that if you want to dress someone, you know how they move and what their energy is. It's not a mannequin, it's a moving person in a public space."

What has been the biggest learning moment in your career?

"To be honest, every collection I make is a learning moment. The grande finale every time is like taking a final exam. Every season I learn a lot and encounter new issues every time. Because of the change of zeitgeist and people, a year is never the same."

What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

"Doing my best where there are rules, such as training, but secretly not letting the ideas I have deep inside go and include them in my plans. Life is not black and white, it's not one or the other! Use the freedom and opportunities offered by the industry."

Have you been a wheelbarrow for anyone?

"I have been a wheelbarrow for many artists, fashion designers, models and performers. For example, models who could not get a job I encouraged, after which they later went on to walk for Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and Dior in Paris. Models who walked their first show with me walked shows at Prada, Gucci and other major brands after a few seasons. When I believe in talent, I encourage the person in question and don't just give up. "The Green Couture Singlet Dress at MASTERS VERNISSAGE